Edward Lindsay Ryon Sr.

He was born March 11, 1923 in Chattanooga to the late Ethel and James Clark Ryon, Sr.

He attended Tyner High School and graduated in 1941. During high school, he was active in varsity football where he served as a co-captain.

He was a Scout Master and leader.

He joined the United States Army Air Corps at the age of 20. He served as a Martin B-26 Marauder Pilot, also known as “The Widow Maker”. Edward was with the 394th Bomb Group and flew 46 missions.

After the war, he returned to Chattanooga and started working for Southern Bell and retired after 40 years of service.

He attended Concord Baptist Church from the age of two. He became a Christian and joined the

Church at the age of ten and has been a member of Concord Baptist for 87 years. As a member of Concord, he and his wife, Margaret, took an active part in all phases of the church. He was an ordained deacon, was a Sunday School teacher for twenty years, and worked with the youth. He also served as a trustee and helped write the bylaws and constitution of the church.

He always liked the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. For many years, he raised and trained bird dogs as well as beagles. At home, he enjoyed working outdoors and woodworking.

He attended the University of Chattanooga at night, majoring in civil engineering. As time permitted, he became active in community affairs. He was involved with the Telephone Pioneers and the Brainerd Optimist Club where he served as a trustee. He taught in the Chattanooga Literacy Movement and taught conversational English to immigrants. He assisted in fund-raising for the Walter E. Boehm Birth Defects Center at T. C. Thompson Children’s Hospital for twenty-five years. His wife, Margaret was Executive Director during that time. He also raised funds for the National Foundation for the March of Dimes for fourteen years.

Mr. Ryon wrote the book “Bombs Away” on his life and training as a B-26 pilot. It has sold over 400 copies to date. He received several local write-ups and recommendations for his book.

He received the 2015 “Distinguished Veteran Award” from the Chattanooga Freedom’s Foundation. He recently had the privilege of being recognized by the “Honors Air Program” out of Knoxville, Tennessee where he was flown to Washington, DC for the day.

Edward Lindsay Ryon, Sr., believed “God, Family, and Country” should always be the priority for every individual.

He married the love of his life for 68 years Margaret Fullam Ryon until God called her home in 2012. He was also preceded in death by his brother, James Clark Ryon, Jr. and sister, Margaret Wofford.

Survivors include his son, Edward Lindsay (Kaye) Ryon, Jr. of Farragut, TN; daughter, Janice (Bill) Lane of Chattanooga, TN; brother, Robert (Betty) Ryon of North Carolina; sister, Jenieve Peak of Chattanooga; four grandchildren, Melody (Paul) Gentry of Lenoir City, TN; Janna Leigh Ryon of Maryland; Ryon Lane of Knoxville, TN; and Rebecca (Vince) Swingle of Knoxville, TN; four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 10-11:30 a.m. funeral home. Funeral services will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the East Brainerd Chapel with Rev. Bob Segrest, Jim Rechel, and Dr. David King officiating.

Interment with military honors will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Due to Covid-19, all guidelines of social distancing set in place by the CDC must be followed. Hamilton County requires face coverings for anyone attending services and visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, Chattanooga Campus, 6623 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com.